Financial Aid & Scholarships

The Dean’s MSF Graduate Scholarship

Award amount: Varies

Priority application deadline: March 15, 2019

Number of awards: Varies

Criteria: Applicants to the MSF program with high academic standards, and who have demonstrated a purposeful life of achievement, inquiry, integrity, leadership and service may apply for this scholarship. Specifically, the applicant must:

• Have submitted a complete application for admission to the PLU MSF program
• Have a minimum average GPA in all previous college or university coursework of 3.0

Terms of the award: The Dean’s MSF Graduate Scholarship is divided into two equal allocations for the fall and spring semesters. The fall portion is disbursed automatically. In order to receive the spring portion the student must:

Graduate Assistantship

The graduate assistantship program offers graduate students an opportunity to participate in academic and administrative activities that will enhance their graduate education experience, as well as provide financial assistance. In general, assistantship awards are for interactions and opportunities involving time commitments between five and 10 hours per week.

Award amount: A limited number of paid assistantships are available during the academic year. Students received payment based on the hours they perform work in the program office or for the faculty member. Assistantships are considered taxable income.

Number of awards: Varied

Terms of the award: Students are required to provide service to the university through assistance with academic and administrative activities.

Eligibility: To be eligible for a graduate assistantship, an applicant must be:

admitted to the PLU MSF program,

maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 graduate grade point average, and

be enrolled full-time [8 credits or more except J-term] during the semester/term of the fellowship.

Criteria: Criteria for awarding assistantships may include any combination of the following:

skills and abilities

academic merit

potential for success

contribution to the mission of the graduate program and university

Application Deadline: May 1 is the priority application date for assistantship consideration for the coming academic year. Applications received after the priority date will be reviewed as funds are available.

In addition to the information on the Assistantship application, the applicant’s admission file may be assessed.

The PLU Alumni Grant

The PLU Grant provides a 10 percent discount on tuition for PLU graduates who enroll in a PLU master’s level degree or approved master’s level certificate program. Restrictions apply to those students who are also PLU employees. The discount begins immediately upon admission.

Murray-Danielson Management Award Scholarship

The Murray-Danielson Management Award Scholarship was established and funded by Kenneth P. Murray, who received a BA and MBA from Pacific Lutheran University, and Sherman Danielson who graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a BA.

PLU Business Network Scholarship

This highly competitive scholarship, sponsored by the PLU Business Network, is open to graduate business students who display high academic standards and leadership within the School of Business. Selected candidates will be interviewed by the PLU Business Network Board of Directors.

Unsubsidized Stafford Loans (Direct Loans)

Although payments are deferred while you are enrolled at least half-time, unsubsidized loans accumulate interest while you are in school. If you can, it is recommended that you try to pay the interest on these loans while you are in school. Loan amount: LOAN of $20,500 per year Deadline: Applicants are considered for this loan when their FAFSA application is being processed. The loan is processed by PLU and disbursed to pay your tuition. Number of awards: n/a Criteria: You do not need to demonstrate need to qualify for these loans. Detailed information is available at the Federal student aid website. Terms of the loan: This loan accumulates interest while you are in school, and when you are in your forbearance “grace period.” It is a loan, so it must be paid back with interest. When you fill out the FAFSA, there is a tool that estimates what your student loan repayment amounts will look like. Detailed information, including current interest rates, is available at the Federal student aid website. How to apply:

Once you receive your PLU award notification, you must log onto PLU’s Secure Area of Banner Web, Financial Aid Services, to Accept or Decline the loan.

If you choose to accept the loan, you must also “Sign In” to studentloans.gov to complete the required Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note.

PLUS Loan (Direct Loans)

Although payments are deferred while you are enrolled at least half-time, unsubsidized loans accumulate interest while you are in school. If you can, it is recommended that you try to pay the interest on these loans while you are in school. These loans differ from Unsubsidized Stafford Loans in that they have a higher interest rate and require a credit check. Loan amount: LOAN to meet any unmet need up to the total estimated cost of attendance for the program. Deadline: Applicants are considered for this loan when their FAFSA application is being processed. The loan is processed by PLU and disbursed to pay your tuition. Number of awards: n/a Criteria: You do not need to demonstrate need to qualify for these loans. Unlike the Stafford loan, borrowers must pass a credit check. Detailed information is available at the Federal student aid website. Terms of the loan: This loan accumulates interest while you are in school, and when you are in your forbearance “grace period.” It is a loan, so it must be paid back with interest. When you fill out the FAFSA, there is a tool that estimates what your student loan repayment amounts will look like. Detailed information, including current interest rates, is available at the Federal student aid website. How to apply:

Yellow Ribbon Program

Pacific Lutheran University is proud to partner with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to offer an unlimited number of full-tuition Yellow Ribbon Scholarships to qualified veterans or their dependents. For detailed information about this benefit and eligibility, see the Department of Veterans Affairs Yellow Ribbon Program FAQ. For more information about using your post 9/11 GI benefits at PLU, please contact PLU’s Veterans Benefits Coordinator Neshell Henkel Chabot at 800-678-3243, 253-535-7161, or henkelnd@plu.edu.

Vocational Rehab & Other Benefits

At PLU, we are committed to assisting you with getting the most from your benefits. If you qualify for Vocational Rehab, or any other benefits, our dedicated Veterans Benefits Coordinator will work with you to help you fill out the paperwork you need for the VA. Please contact Neshell Henkel Chabot at 800-678-3243, 253-535-7161, or henkelnd@plu.edu.